New equipment for the criminal police worth 327,5 thousand dollars, donated by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was delivered today to the Montenegrin Police Directorate at a ceremony in Danilovgrad.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) announced that the donation includes specialized equipment, forensic and detection tools that will significantly strengthen the state's capacities in combating the illegal possession, misuse and smuggling of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Minister of Internal Affairs Danilo Šaranović said that this valuable donation is not only a contribution to strengthening the technical and forensic capacities of the Police Directorate, but also a confirmation of the strong partnership and trust that Montenegro enjoys from its international partners.
"Through joint efforts, we are making our security system more efficient and our society safer, thereby further confirming our commitment to meeting key standards on the path to full membership in the European Union," said Šaranović.
The statement said the equipment, funded by the EU and procured on the basis of a detailed needs assessment, includes X-ray scanners, metal detectors, crime scene kits, forensic lights, laboratory instruments and computers.
It is added that such an approach ensures that the tools fully meet the operational needs of the Montenegrin criminal police.
Acting Director of the Police Administration Lazar Šćepanović emphasized that they are aware that forensics does not begin in the laboratory, but at the scene of the crime, where forensic technology collects evidence.
"The quality of evidence largely depends on their expertise, equipment and working methods. Our job is to provide accurate, impartial and scientifically based evidence, and your support is the wind at our back that allows us to perform this work in accordance with the highest quality standards and using the most modern technologies," said Šćepanović.
As he said, the Police Directorate remains fully committed to further strengthening capacities, developing cooperation with international partners, and uncompromisingly fighting all forms of crime, in order to jointly contribute to creating a safer and more just society for all citizens.
EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johan Sattler said that recent tragic events related to the use of firearms have shaken Montenegro and the region, serving as painful reminders of how dangerous the illegal possession and misuse of firearms can be — and how far we still have to go to address this challenge.
"The EU remains a committed partner in supporting Montenegro's efforts to counter the illicit trafficking of firearms," said Sattler.
He added that today's handover of specialized equipment to the criminal police represents an important step towards fulfilling both local and international obligations - but above all, towards ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
UNDP Resident Representative Ekaterina Paniklova emphasized that the handover of equipment is an important step within the broader and continuous support that UNDP, through SEESAC, provides to the Police Directorate of Montenegro.
"We are convinced that sustainable solutions are the key to overcoming the challenges of peace and security. UNDP remains committed to partnership and continued support for Montenegro in fulfilling its local, regional and international obligations," said Paniklova.
The statement states that this support directly contributes to the achievement of objective 3 of the Roadmap for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Western Balkans, which refers to significantly reducing the risk of proliferation and diversion of firearms, ammunition and explosives.
"As part of this initiative, UNDP SEESAC continues to support jurisdictions across Southeastern and Eastern Europe in strengthening effective, accountable and inclusive security institutions," the statement said.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that the donated equipment will contribute to improving the operational readiness of the criminal police, especially in the field of forensic investigations and emergency interventions involving weapons and explosives - thereby further strengthening law enforcement and improving public safety throughout the country.
"These activities were funded by the European Union through Council Decision (CFSP) 2019/2111, as amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/381, in support of SEESAC's activities in the field of disarmament and arms control in South-Eastern Europe, with the aim of reducing the threat posed by illicit small arms and light weapons and their ammunition," the statement said.
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